Unused knee high pasture

5 posts

Member for

11 years 4 months
Last seen: 08/15/2017 - 15:44
Joined: 11/07/2012 - 16:02

Unused knee high pasture

I have knee high fodder, and no stock. Do I buy some young cattle or take the grass off and make silage . 

Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 10/22/2012 - 11:13

A few questions:

  • How many acres are we talking about?
  • Where are you?
  • What type of pasture do you have?

Cheers

Rob.

Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 10/20/2011 - 16:16

Hi Bara

I'd forget about the silage. Silage needs to be made from leafy pasture for it to be of any quality; knee high won't be. At best you might be able to make hay but this would be of limited quality (but OK as a filler) and of course it would need storage.

Getting in stock might be a better idea. I'd be hesitant to get in young stock though. They need reasonable quality pasture when young and knee high pasture could be past it quality wise, depending on just how 'green' it still is in your locality. A safer bet might be to get in older stock. They certainly can fatten on 'standing hay'. I don't know what the markets are like but if there was an opportunity to buy boners cheaply for fattening and to sell when fat as 'fat boners', that would be one way to go. Even consider getting cull cows and a bull to run with them, and keep them long enough for the calves that will inevitably arrive, at least with some will get in calf,  so as to hedge your bets.

In terms of dealing to the pasture and getting stock to do OK on it, these suggestions are sound. As to the economics of it, you will need to talk to your local stock agent to find out what the market opportunities for these scenarios and make a decision.

Any other thoughts out there?

let us know what you find out Bara and report back!

regards

Roger

Last seen: 08/15/2017 - 15:44
Joined: 11/07/2012 - 16:02

Hi Rob, Crookwell area, 180 ac , improved pasture , few weeds, phalaris(?) clovers, usual mix, good soils mainly basalt types, shaley on the ridges

Last seen: 04/04/2013 - 11:18
Joined: 11/21/2012 - 10:11

Might I suggest, when speaking with your stock agent you might discuss agistment opportunities

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